Aarke Review: The Sparkling Water Maker That Beats SodaStream on Style

If you‘re like me, your love affair with sparkling water started with a few too many LaCroixs and has now blossomed into a full-blown daily habit. But those disposable cans and bottles add up quickly, both in terms of cost and environmental waste. That‘s why I decided to invest in a home carbonation system – and after hours of research and hands-on testing, I can confidently say that Aarke makes the best one out there.

What Is Aarke?

Launched in 2016 by Swedish industrial designers Jonas Groth and Carl Ljungh, Aarke is a home appliance brand dedicated to elevating everyday items through sleek, functional design. While they offer a range of products including a toaster and electric kettle, Aarke is best known for their line of stainless steel sparkling water makers.

The brand‘s flagship product, the Carbonator, has quickly become a global sensation. As of 2022, Aarke has sold over 1 million units worldwide, with a presence in over 30 countries. The global carbonated water market is also booming, projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2021 to 2028.

In the US, a 2020 survey found that nearly 30% of households owned a soda maker, a number that has likely grown since the start of the pandemic as more people prioritize at-home beverage options. Among those households, the majority reported using their soda maker at least once per week, with many carbonating water daily.

Aarke has positioned itself as the go-to option for design-conscious consumers in this growing market. As Jonas Groth explained in an interview with Dezeen, "We want to transform the everyday products in people‘s lives into functional pieces of art. With Aarke, we strive to elevate the sparkling water experience through a perfect balance of performance and aesthetics."

Putting Aarke to the Test

Over the past month, I‘ve had the pleasure of testing out three of Aarke‘s most popular sparkling water makers:

• Carbonator 3 ($219) – Aarke‘s classic model, available in 8 stylish finishes
• Carbonator Pro ($300) – A next-level machine with a textured body and push-to-lock system
• Carbonator II ($199) – The original Aarke design, offered at a slightly lower price point

Additionally, I tried a variety of Aarke‘s accessories and add-ons:

• PET Water Bottle ($14-$20) – BPA-free plastic bottles that fit the Carbonator machines
• Glass Water Bottle ($40) – A newer option made from premium borosilicate glass
• Flavor Drops ($10/each) – Unsweetened natural flavor concentrates in Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit
• Cleaning Tablets ($10 for 10) – Citric acid tablets for descaling the Carbonator

Here‘s how the experience went, from unboxing to the first fizzy sip:

Setting Up the Carbonator

One thing I love about Aarke is their attention to packaging and presentation. Unboxing the Carbonator 3 felt like unwrapping a fancy birthday gift, with the machine and accessories nestled in a plush fabric bag.

The setup process was straightforward and well-explained in the included manual. After handwashing the PET bottle and assembling the machine (which took all of 3 minutes), it was time for a sparkle test drive.

I started by filling the bottle with cold water from my Brita. Aarke recommends using chilled, filtered water for best results. After screwing the bottle into the machine, I pressed the lever down for about 3 seconds until I heard a buzz, indicating the carbonation was complete.

Lo and behold, the water was transformed into crisp, perfectly carbonated sparkling water. I‘d put the fizz level on par with a freshly opened Topo Chico – impressive! The machine was also surprisingly quiet compared to the SodaStream I‘d tried at a friend‘s house.

Over the next few weeks, I carbonated gallons of water with ease, experimenting with Aarke‘s flavor drops and making my own concoctions with citrus juice and herbs. Not only did I up my daily water intake, but I also saved money and reduced waste by kicking my canned sparkling water habit.

One important note: Like most home soda makers, Aarke machines use 60L CO2 cylinders that need to be replaced every few months depending on usage. When purchased from Aarke, a spare cylinder costs $45, but for $25 you can also exchange an empty cylinder at various retailers including Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Trying the Carbonator Pro and Carbonator II

After several delightful weeks with the Carbonator 3, I was curious how Aarke‘s other models would compare.

The Carbonator Pro, Aarke‘s premium offering, features a textured body and metallic finish that‘s even sleeker and more luxurious-looking than the Carbonator 3. Functionally, the machines worked exactly the same, but I did enjoy the sturdiness and high-end look of the Pro.

The Carbonator II has a slightly lighter-weight body than the 3, but its slim design still made for a stylish countertop presence. Performance-wise, I noticed no difference in the carbonation power, and it produced equally delicious sparkling water.

At $199, the Carbonator II is also the most affordable of Aarke‘s soda makers (but still a significant step up in price from most SodaStream models). If you‘re looking for Aarke‘s signature style without the latest bells and whistles, the Carbonator II is a great option.

Accessorizing My Aarke

In addition to the machines themselves, I also tested out Aarke‘s array of accessories.

The PET water bottles quickly became my go-to portable option for sparkling water on the go. Made from BPA-free plastic, they‘re lightweight yet durable, with a classy chrome lid that elevates them above standard water bottles. I‘m a big fan of the larger 1L size for staying hydrated throughout the workday.

Aarke also recently launched a glass bottle option, which I was eager to try as a more sustainable and heat-resistant alternative to plastic. The glass bottle is made from thick borosilicate glass with a soft silicone grip. It looks beautiful on the table for serving guests, but I admittedly felt a little nervous carbonating with glass versus the trusty PET bottles.

For a flavor boost, Aarke‘s unsweetened Flavor Drops were a nice option to have on hand. My favorite was the Grapefruit, which tasted natural and not overly sweet. However, at $10 per 50ml bottle, I found myself more often opting for fresh citrus and herbs from the grocery store for flavoring.

Finally, I appreciated that Aarke offers Cleaning Tablets for occasional machine maintenance. The tablets use citric acid to safely remove limescale buildup from the Carbonator. After 3 months of daily use, running a cleaning cycle helped keep my machine running like new.

How Aarke Compares to Competitors

When it comes to home soda makers, SodaStream is the biggest name in the game. However, having tried both brands extensively, I strongly prefer Aarke for a few key reasons:

1. Style: There‘s no question Aarke has the aesthetics advantage. SodaStream‘s machines are made primarily from plastic, with a clunky, utilitarian look. Meanwhile, Aarke‘s stainless steel designs (which were featured in MoMA‘s 2022 Is Fashion Modern exhibition) are chic enough to leave out on the counter as part of your decor.

2. Carbonation control: With most SodaStream models, you press down on the machine until you hear a buzz, then repeat for additional carbonation. I found Aarke‘s system of a single long press more intuitive for consistent results. Some of SodaStream‘s newer electric models like the Terra and Art do allow more precise fizz control, but their designs still cannot compete with Aarke.

3. Bottle quality: Aarke‘s PET bottles have a premium look and feel compared to SodaStream‘s basic plastic options, and I love that they offer a glass bottle as well. The bottles are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

4. Brand ethos: Call me a branding sucker, but I love Aarke‘s mission of "reinventing your household basics" with a focus on longevity and sustainability. The company uses 100% solar energy in its Swedish factory and is committed to minimizing single-use plastics. As the founders have stated, "We want to inspire people to get rid of disposable thinking. Our ambition is to be the first choice for those who seek a sustainable lifestyle."

All that said, SodaStream does beat Aarke on a few fronts. SodaStream offers a wider product range, including soda syrups and flavor drops. Their machines are also more affordable, with the popular Jet model starting at just $90. And importantly, SodaStream has a well-established CO2 cylinder exchange program with retailers nationwide, making restocking easier and cheaper ($15 for exchange compared to Aarke‘s $25).

If budget is your top priority, SodaStream is a perfectly serviceable option for making sparkling water at home. But if you value aesthetics and are willing to make an investment in a machine that will elevate your daily hydration experience, Aarke is absolutely worth the splurge.

The Final Fizzy Verdict

After two months of at-home carbonation, I can wholeheartedly recommend Aarke to anyone looking to upgrade their sparkling water game. From the unboxing experience to the final fizzy pour, every aspect of the Aarke process feels thoughtful and premium.

With three models ranging from $199-$300, Aarke‘s sparkling water makers are undoubtedly expensive compared to soda makers from SodaStream and other brands. But for the quality of carbonation, the beauty of the design, and the eco-friendly ethos, I believe Aarke is worth the investment.

Since switching to homemade seltzer, not only have I slashed my sparkling water spending, but I‘m also producing significantly less plastic and aluminum waste. Even with the occasional CO2 cylinder purchase, I estimate I‘m saving upwards of $500 per year by not buying canned beverages.

More than anything, I love the ritual of carbonating my water each morning and experimenting with different flavor combinations. My Aarke has become a conversation starter when I have guests over, and several friends are now looking to purchase their own after seeing mine in action.

If you‘re ready to elevate your daily hydration and reduce your environmental impact, I can‘t recommend Aarke enough. With their Swedish design roots and commitment to quality, Aarke has truly reinvented the home soda maker for the modern, eco-conscious consumer.

So go ahead, add a little sparkle to your life – your tastebuds (and the planet) will thank you.